LABORATORY ASSISTANT/PHLEBOTOMIST (PT)

DEPARTMENT: Laboratory

REPORTS TO: Director of Laboratory

JOB SUMMARY

The Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served by the laboratory. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span of their patient. They must possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age-specific needs. They also must be able to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

A high school diploma or equivalent is desired. Knowledge of medical terminology preferred. Phlebotomy skills are required, certification preferred.

EXPERIENCE

Computer training/knowledge in Word Perfect and one year of secretarial and/or phlebotomy experience are preferable.

SKILLS

Knowledge and understanding of standard precautions is an absolute necessity. Basic phlebotomy skills are necessary, along with knowledge of biohazard waste and packaging. Verbal ability required to comprehend written instructions, admitting procedures, various hospital forms, and to interview patients. Clerical abilities: typing forms, memos, and letters; word processing; filing; and numerical ability to handle charges. Skilled knowledge of Word Perfect is essential. Capable of communicating with people of various educational levels and backgrounds. Tact and understanding required to deal with patients and medical personnel. Good eye-hand coordination, manual dexterity, and near-visual acuity are required. Good telephone communication skills are a necessity.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

BLS

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Greet patients, physicians, and all co-workers in a professional Planetree manner. Is able to communicate either in person or via telephone to resolve problems and conflicts and/or provide information as necessary while maintaining confidentiality.
• Accept incoming telephone calls in a timely manner, receive requests for services verbally, and monitor for completeness in accordance with Medicare and Medicaid compliance guidelines.
• Receive out-patients into the laboratory, process their laboratory orders which include: entering orders into the EHR; follow and use NMO guidelines; obtain proper specimens; update specimens into the laboratory; distribution of the specimens for testing. Monitor daily for accuracy in ordering and make corrections as needed.
• Successfully perform routine phlebotomies on adults, juveniles and infants with proper identification, as well as to be able to schedule and perform Therapeutic and Autologous phlebotomies according to the Blood Bank standards with completion of all documentation needed.
• Is able to access and navigate in the EHR to process patient orders from the care areas. This includes pulling and printing labels, going to the correct care area to obtain specimens, updating specimens as received into the laboratory, and distribution of the specimens for testing.
• Process, fax and file laboratory patient information, hand charge slips, lab requisitions test results, reference laboratory forms and information, and other forms as necessary in accordance with prescribed methods and procedures, including Medicare and Medicaid compliance guidelines.
• Will run the Direct Access Testing program to include greeting and informing participants about the program, collection of fees, obtaining blood samples, registering participants, processing the specimens, and distribution of the specimens for testing.
• Process reference lab tests to include: Obtaining specimen requirements and cost; order test in QUEST computer; process and document specimen; packaging of samples; look up results; print reports.
• Maintain weekly supplies for phlebotomy and general laboratory sections. Complete and submit Materials requisitions as necessary and inform the laboratory manager of any supplies needed.
• Clean and maintain phlebotomy trays, Phlebotomy area and reference lab area in accordance with Safety and Infection Control Standards.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS

• Maintain the Laboratory Standing Order file and process the patient’s orders into the LIS as updated according to Compliance standards.
• Accurately sort and distribute Laboratory Reports to appropriate hospital service areas, physician boxes and or nursing departments.
• Escort and direct patients to the appropriate area of the hospital as needed.
• Maintain weekly supplies for phlebotomy and general laboratory. Complete and submit maintenance or materials requisition as necessary and notify Laboratory Manager of any supplies needed.
• Assist in typing, design and word processing of laboratory manuals, reports, and logs as well as any other word processing needed.
• Will assist in laboratory Disaster Plan by assisting in Phlebotomy, routing of phone calls and laboratory information to other departments during disasters and or emergency blood procurement procedures.
• Clean and maintain Phlebotomy area in accordance with Safety and Infection Control Standards.
• May be assigned additional tasks, which the individual is qualified to perform to facilitate the operation of the department and the hospital.